Pigs were flying in South Carolina tonight during the Democratic presidential debate as Hillary Clinton announced that she is not a big-government liberal but a “modern progressive” that “believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms.” Perhaps Hillary Clinton hasn’t been reading her own press releases and campaign speeches because her entire presidential campaign has been a series of proposals for new government programs. In fact, Senator Clinton’s entire political career reeks of big-government liberalism, from her disastrous attempt at Hillary Care to her recent proposal for universal kindergarten. At every turn, Hillary Clinton has embraced the far-left, liberal agenda, including her support for tax hikes, increased government spending, and restrictions on political free speech and her opposition to school choice and free trade.

“I am hard-pressed to imagine something more absurd than Hillary Clinton defending individual rights and eschewing the big-government label on national television,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “Kudos to CNN host Anderson Cooper for keeping a straight face.”

Update 8:20pm Eastern. The circus plays on. CNN just played this “question:”

Also: A “snowman” asked about global warming:

Anderson Cooper asked which candidates took private jets. All rose their hands except Mike Gravel…he took the train and bus.

6:53pm Eastern update. CNN.com is running a pre-debate special. Senior citizen William Schneider is on right now explaining what issues matter to The Yoots. He pronounces “INNN-ter-net” like it has ghost quotes around it.

“Internet reporter” Jacki Schechner adds that “I think this is about the coolest thing ever!” The CNN.com anchor is wearing a hideous, red polyurethane jacket circa 1982. I think they think it looks Yoot-ful.

Yeah, it’s tonight at 7pm Eastern. The “historic” night on which presidential candidates will attempt to prove their hipness and Yoot Vote appeal by making contrived references to LonelyGirl15, Ask a Ninja, and these techno-fancy things on the Internets called “blogs.”

Those screens look really wizbang cool, but I hope CNN can resolve all those crappy, 20th century audio problems they’ve been having.